The Dental Council of India (DCI) serves as the governing body for dental education and professional practice in India. Established in 1948 through the Dentists Act of 1948, its primary goals include upholding superior standards in dental education and practice, safeguarding public health by ensuring that only certified dentists are permitted to practice, and overseeing the dental profession to ensure the public’s health and well-being.
The Dental Council of India (DCI) oversees dental education, offering the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) for undergraduate students, the Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) and PG Diploma for postgraduate students, and DH/DM for doctorate courses. Currently, the DCI has 279 MDS colleges, 323 BDS colleges, 9 PG Diploma colleges, and 111 DH/DM colleges under its jurisdiction. The DCI’s official website also provides notifications related to the nation’s oral health, as mentioned in the article. Prospective students and interested parties can refer to the article below for more information about the Dental Council of India.
Dental Council of India (DCI) – Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
| Name of the body | DCI |
| Full-Form | Dental Council of India |
| Official website | dciindia.gov.in |
| Founding year | April 12, 1949 |
| Purpose | To regulate dental education and the dentistry profession in India |
| Headquarters | New Delhi |
| Agency Executive | Dibyendu Mazumder (President) |
| Number of Colleges | MDS – 281 BDS – 323 PG-DIP – 9 DH/DM – 111 |
| Permitted Seat | MDS – 7178 BDS – 28088 |
| Faculties | 20844 |
| Dentists | 354443 |
History of the Dental Council of India
The Dentists Act 1948 (XVI of 1948) stands as an important land mark in the History of Dental Profession and Dental Education in India. The Act came into force with effect from 29th March 1948 and the Dental Council of India was accordingly constituted on 12th April 1949.
Before giving the details of the history of the Dental Council of India and the important role it has played in the growth and development of dental education and dental health in India
Objectives
The Dental Council of India is tasked with the following goals:
- Ensuring a consistent standard of dental education at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
- Conducting inspections and visits to dental colleges to grant permission for starting new colleges, increasing seat capacity, and introducing new postgraduate courses.
- Establishing standard curricula for training dentists, dental hygienists, dental mechanics, and setting conditions for such training.
- Setting minimum standards for examinations and other criteria needed to obtain recognized qualifications under the Act.
- Overseeing all dental institutions to ensure adherence to the prescribed standards.
Functions
The Dental Council of India, established by the Dentists Act of 1948 (XVI of 1948), began its operations in March 1949. It regulates dental education, the dental profession, and dental ethics.
The Council comprises representatives from six constituencies:
- The Central Government
- State Governments
- Universities
- Dental Colleges
- The Medical Council of India
- Private Dental Practitioners
The Director-General of Health Services serves as an Ex-Officio Member of both the Executive Committee and the General Body.
Council members elect the President, Vice-President, and members of the Executive Committee from among themselves. The President and Vice-President also serve as the Ex-Officio Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee.
The Executive Committee acts as the governing body of the Council, overseeing all procedural, financial, and daily operations.
Past President of Dental Council of India
| S.No. | Name | Term From | Term To |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Dr. K.C.K.E. Raja | 12.04.1949 | 17.09.1952 |
| 2. | Lt. Col. C.K. Lakshmanan | 18.09.1952 | 11.05.1954 |
| 3. | Dr. R. Ahmed | 05.11.1954 | 15.05.1959 |
| 4. | Col. N.N. Berry | 07.11.1959 | 06.08.1962 |
| 04.08.1962 | 04.08.1967 | ||
| 5. | Dr. K.L. Shourie | 28.08.1967 | 16.11.1968 |
| 16.11.1968 | 16.11.1973 | ||
| 6. | Dr. G.B. Shankwalkar | 01.02.1974 | 20.02.1975 |
| 7. | Dr. B.K. Venkataraman | 14.10.1976 | 03.09.1978 |
| 8. | Dr. T.M. Udani | 27.11.1978 | 11.10.1979 |
| 9. | Dr. Fali S. Mehta | 08.04.1980 | 22.09.1982 |
| 10. | Dr. B.P. Rajan | 08.04.1983 | 05.02.1984 |
| 09.06.1976 | 07.03.1975 | ||
| 11. | Dr. R.P. Singh | 17.04.1984 | 05.12.1985 |
| 12. | Dr. Fali S. Mehta | 07.04.1986 | 18.08.1988 |
| 29.11.1988 | 14.01.1990 | ||
| 13. | Dr. R.K. Bali | 05.04.1990 | 15.10.1994 |
| 14. | Dr. N. Sridhar Shetty | 09.10.1995 | 16.01.1998 |
| 15. | Dr. R.K. Bali | 17.01.1998 | 03.10.2004 |
| 16. | Dr. Anil Kohli | 25.10.2004 | 17.07.2009 |
| 18.07.2009 | 22.10.2010 |
Major Achievements
Attachment of New Dental Colleges to Medical Colleges
New dental colleges are now required to be attached to medical colleges to prevent the proliferation of substandard dental institutions and to enhance the quality of dental education nationwide. This attachment also aims to facilitate the initiation of postgraduate courses in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
Reintroduction of the Internship Programme
The Internship Programme has been reinstated to address the significant challenges students faced in gaining adequate clinical experience without an internship. To benefit the students, the Council has reintroduced a one-year rotational internship program, including a rural posting, following the completion of the four-year BDS course. This decision was based on numerous representations received from students and other stakeholders.
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List of BDS Colleges in India
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the new curriculum of DCI?
As per the new proposal suggested, BDS will be a 5.5 years curriculum including 4.5 years with nine semesters and one-year additional internship. In addition, the DCI has also proposed to add chapters on Forensic, Basic and Advanced life support in the BDS course.
Which was the first dental college in India?
The first Dental College was established at Calcutta in 1920 by Dr. R. Ahmed. The College was started with one year diploma course
Who is the father of dental in India?
Rafiuddin Ahmed is remembered as the Father of Modern Dentistry in India. He was born to Maulvi Safiuddin Ahmed, who worked as a Deputy Collector and mother Faizunnesha. He was the second child amongst his four brothers and one sister.
Which is No 1 Dental College in India?
Saveetha Dental College is ranked 1st among 300+ private and public dental schools by the government of India in 2022. With over 13100+ Scopus® publications; we also stand 2nd in the global scale!
Is DCI dissolved in India?
The National Dental Commission Act 2023, will introduce a groundbreaking regulatory framework by establishing the National Dental Commission (NDC), which will replace the existing Dental Council of India (DCI) and repeal the Dentists Bill, 1948.
